Weatheradio Network

The Meteorological Service of Canada has embarked on the process of adding
additional public warning functionality to the Weatheradio network. The
major change will be the introduction of Federal Information Processing
Standard and Specific Area Messaging Encoding (FIPS/SAME) codes to the
Weatheradio broadcast, which will enable users to receive both the audio
signal and text warning messages. The goal is to expand the functionally,
reach and utility of the MSC Weatheradio network available to Canadians
by late 2004.

The MSC Weatheradio Network

The MSC Weatheradio network is a broadcast technology that allows the
MSC to send forecasts and warning messages to users by the use of a tone
alert feature. The network is extensive with 185 locations broadcasting
over the VHF-FM frequency band and reaches over 92% of Canadians. A special
weather radio receiver is required in order to get the Weatheradio audio
signal. These radios are available in electronic stores. Key users of
the Weatheradio service are first line emergency responders such as firemen,
police and community officials. Other users are those who participate
in outdoor activities such as recreational boating, camping, organizations
such as school boards and small businesses that focus on outdoor applications
such as snowplowing and landscaping.

Weatheradio Receivers

One important feature of the Weatheradio network is that many receivers
are equipped with the capability, while in the standby mode, of sounding
a siren or displaying a flashing light when a warning message is received.
Through this feature, Weatheradio is a true alert system that does not
require the users to constantly monitor the broadcast as the content and
timing is totally controlled by the MSC. The trigger to activate this
feature is the receiving of a 1050 Hz tone that is broadcast ahead of
a warning message.

However, most new Weatheradio receivers now use FIPS/SAME codes as the
trigger to activate the alarm features. By broadcasting FIPS/SAME codes,
the users who purchase a new Weatheradio will not only be able to receive
the audio signal, but will receive emergency messages and full functionality
of the warning device unit, such as flashing lights or warning sirens
that activate while the receiver is in the standby mode. The MSC will
continue to send the 1050 Hz tone in order to assure compatibility with
older weather radio receivers.

"Alert Guard" Television

Thomson (RCA) recently launched a new line of televisions called 'Alert
Guard'. These new televisions will incorporate a built in Weatheradio
receiver. In addition to receiving the audio Weatheradio signal, the television
will have lights on the front panel that will flash when weather warnings
or other non-weather emergency messages are issued. The non-audio warning
features are only triggered by the FIPS/SAME codes. Other options include
crawling of the warning message and a graduated warning siren alarm. All
of these functions are activated by the user through the remote control.
All features will work while the television is performing other functions
such as watching on air programming or playing a DVD, VHS tape or a video
game. The warning features are independent of program source such as cable,
satellite or antenna. All that is required is being able to receive a
Weatheradio transmission site.

FIPS/SAME Technology

The heart of the 'Alert Guard' feature is the use of FIPS (Federal
Information Processing Standard) and SAME (Specific Area Messaging Encoding)
code technology. The appropriate number code is electronically assembled
and inserted ahead of the normal audio warning message. A listener will
hear a brief 'tone type noise'. The tone is decoded by suitably equipped
Weatheradio receivers. Most new Weatheradio receivers and the Alert Guard
television Weatheradio board now have this technology. When a warning,
alert or advisory is issued and the Alert Guard television/Weatheradio
is located within the transmitter patterns, all alerting features, such
as a warning siren or a flashing light will activate. The MSC Weatheradio
network will start using this technology by 2004.

Public warning messages

The capability to broadcast FIPS/SAME code on the Weatheradio network
in Canada will provide a significant weather service improvement. In addition
to severe weather warnings, the Weatheradio network will have the functionality
to broadcast a suite of non-weather public warnings. The goal is to work
with agencies responsible for non weather emergency warnings to develop
an all warning system for Canadians. The broadcasting (text) non-weather
alerts provide a unique opportunity to those in the warning preparedness
community. The goal is to have this system in place in 2004.